Title: Daryl Koenig, Former Director of the ELCA National Youth Gathering, Dies ELCA NEWS SERVICE
June 6, 2007
Daryl Koenig, Former Director of the ELCA National Youth Gathering, Dies 07-098-FI
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Daryl D. Koenig, a pastor and leader in youth ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died May 30 at the age of 59. He was an instructor of theology and coordinator of the youth ministry concentration and internship program at Texas Lutheran University (TLU), Seguin. He resided in New Braunfels, Texas, and served the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod as advisor to its Lutheran Youth Organization.
A memorial is being held June 6 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Braunfels. The Rev. Charles W. DeHaven, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and the Rev. G. Curtiss Pedder, Grace Lutheran Church, San Antonio, Texas, will conduct the service.
Koenig bridged the generations of the church, DeHaven said, and he had a "media savvy" that served that work. "Daryl is well known in the world of youth ministry and leadership," he said.
Koenig grew up in a largely Latino area of Texas, and he brought a multicultural understanding to youth ministry in the Lutheran church, DeHaven said. "He was a churchman with two brothers in the ministry," he said.
"I have heard many stories of Daryl's vision and verve, Daryl's extraordinary powers to inspire and to lead, and Daryl's singular dedication to young people and to the faith-shaping ministry of the Youth Gathering," said the Rev. H. William Bixby, director for youth ministry, ELCA Vocation and Education.
"Clearly, such a rare and exceptional combination of gifts has profoundly impacted and permanently blessed the lives of thousands of persons who served with him and the youth ministries of this church," Bixby said. "May God now hold Daryl in life abundant, as we remember the richness of Daryl's life and witness among us."
Born Nov. 16, 1947, in Kingsville, Texas, Koenig graduated in 1970 from Texas Lutheran College (now TLU) with a bachelor of arts degree in speech, theology and philosophy. He received a master of divinity degree in 1974 from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Texas Lutheran is one of 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA, and Luther is one of eight ELCA seminaries.
Koenig pursued graduate studies in ministry in social change at the seminary and studies in juvenile justice at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
During his seminary studies, Koenig served as youth director, Salem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Ordained in 1975, he was pastor of youth ministries, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Lakewood, Calif.
In 1978 Koenig became program director for the 1979 National Youth Gathering of the former American Lutheran Church (ALC). After the gathering he became director of the 1980 ALC National Leadership Training School Project for senior high youth and the National Youth Ministry Training Event.
Koenig served the ALC from 1980 to 1988 as executive director of Luther League and event coordinator for National Youth Gatherings in 1982 and 1985. He chaired the program committee for the ELCA's constituting convention. From 1988 to 1995 he was director of the ELCA National Youth Gathering, coordinating gatherings in 1988, 1991 and 1994.
Koenig helped grow the gatherings from 12,500 participants in 1979 to 35,500 participants in 1994, DeHaven said. "He had an excitement and enthusiasm for the church, and he worked well in secular circles," he said. Koenig secured speakers for the gathering who included Maya Angelou, former President Jimmy Carter, Henry G. Cisneros, Mary Hart, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and the Rev. Bernice A. King.
Koenig received the TLU Distinguished Alumni Award. The ELCA Youth Ministry Network honored Koenig with the "Tom Hunstad Award for Excellence in Youth and Family Ministry" for his significant contributions to the field of youth ministries in the ELCA.
Koenig is preceded in death by his brother, the Rev. Walter W. Koenig Jr. He is survived by his brother, the Rev. Marvin D. "Danny" Koenig, New Braunfels, his sister, Mavis Greif, Friendswood, Texas, and his friend, Karl Anderson, Austin, Texas. -- -- --
A memorial with messages by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, and Heidi Hagstrom, director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, is at http://www.ELCA.org/youth/darylkoenig.html on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog